http://blogcritics.org/ A sinister cabal of superior bloggers on music, books, film, popular culture, politics, and technology - updated continuously. en Copyright 2005-2007 by the authors Tue, 13 May 2008 05:57:57 EDT http://backend.userland.com/rss Blogcritics.org custom software http://blogcritics.org/archives/2008/05/12/022716.php#comment-717623 I find this album to be one of the more consistently interesting albums of the post-Holland Beach Boys albums. The synthesizer use is pretty interesting, considering Brian Wilson's past use of symphonic sounds, orchestrations, lush vocal beds, etc. It showed a brittle Wilson, the snippets of things that interested him and his attempts to distance himself from the BW of the past to get a new start. A man haunted by his past, and not necessarily keen to be a Beach Boy anymore, would want to stake his own identity. These days, when artists try a new sound, it's considered bold and daring. Sometimes commercial suicide. It's no different for classic artists (Bob Dylan was always remaking himself). I see this as BW branching out and trying something new. Remember, this started off as "Brian Loves You," largely a solo album. Take it for what it's worth, and it's got some great moments. 717623@blogcritics.org Tue, 13 May 2008 05:57:57 EDT http://blogcritics.org/archives/2008/05/12/022716.php#comment-717379 The biggest head-scratching moment on "Love You" -- one on my favorites Beach Boys' albums -- is the why-bother Roger McGuinn-written snippet, "Ding Dang." Dang. You mentioned a couple other fly-over moments, such as "Solar System," but by and large I find the album fun, unpretentious, and warm. And I appreciate the ramshackle production. 717379@blogcritics.org Mon, 12 May 2008 05:06:42 EDT